In Part 1 of our 3-part series, we consider remote monitoring and telemedicine and their role in value-based healthcare (VBHC).

Today’s sensor technology is gaining in popularity among consumers, with
research suggesting that by 2018, 81.7 million adults in the United
States will use some sort of wearable technology.1 From
tracking fitness levels to monitoring blood glucose — consumer
technology is literally putting the power of preventative medicine in
the palm of a patient’s hand.

No one enters the healthcare system for the experience.

Scott Wallace, Managing Director of the Value Institute for Health and Care and Associate Professor of Medical Education, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin

Combine this trend with a decade-long decline in inpatient hospital care2 and a whopping 30 percent of today’s healthcare spending is attributed to administrative costs,3 and it begs the cost-savings question: How can we deliver high quality healthcare to patients, without the need for an office visit?

“No one enters the healthcare system for the experience,” explained Scott Wallace of Dell Medical School at The University of Texas, Austin. “It’s not Disney or dinner out; it’s an experience that we endure to get someplace else. Care is an intermediate good. The ultimate goal is better health.”

“We’ve built our health systems around providing medical touch points and interventions in a traditional care setting,” explained Medtronic Director of Value-based Healthcare Strategy Jude Wimberger. “A certain kind of value is inherent with today’s system and each of these touch points has led to innovations in treatment options and improved outcomes. But it’s not the kind a value that’s based on a patient’s journey across a continuum of care. And that’s what needs to change.”

By looking at treatment options and coordination across a care continuum, we can learn what a person needs and identify more efficient ways to get them access to the optimal care.

Experts agree that finding tools and solutions that empower an individual to contribute to the system — outside of the clinic — will play a major role in both keeping costs down and driving better outcomes. As a leader in chronic disease management — offering technology that senses, monitors, and delivers solutions for patients both in and outside the hospital setting — Medtronic is well-positioned to help healthcare professionals meet patient needs in new care settings.

“By looking at treatment options and coordination across a care continuum, we can learn what a person needs and identify more efficient ways to get them access to the optimal care. Through data, tools, and increased care coordination, we can build efficient systems that are more patient-centric,” said Wimberger. “Focusing on value in this way has the potential to significantly reduce costs while the population prospers from smarter, connected healthcare.”

We are working with others to expand our remote monitoring and telemedicine solutions to further empower patients, treat more disease states, and develop systems for providers that reward outcomes over output.

Part 2 addresses how data and technology can help providers and payers be more efficient and effective in delivering care.